Fernando E. Zelaya

Fernando E. Zelaya serves as a Procurement Agent for USAID/Honduras, where he plays a critical role in executing acquisitions that advance U.S. foreign assistance goals in democratic governance, citizen security, and resilient market systems. He manages the full lifecycle of procurement actions for technical advisory services, administrative consulting, and institutional support contracts, ensuring alignment with USAID’s mission of capacity building and public sector reform. His work directly supports the agency’s emphasis on rule of law, electoral integrity, and migration policy through targeted, performance-based contracting mechanisms that prioritize local expertise and sustainable outcomes. Zelaya collaborates with a diverse array of professional service providers, including international consulting firms, local Honduran NGOs, and technical specialists in governance and civic engagement. His procurement approach emphasizes competitive bidding and value-based vendor selection, fostering long-term partnerships with firms capable of delivering high-impact, context-specific solutions. He maintains a results-oriented relationship model grounded in compliance, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that contractors meet rigorous performance standards while adhering to U.S. government acquisition regulations. Zelaya’s contracting portfolio reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of acquisitions classified as “No Set-Aside.” While he does not routinely reserve contracts for 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB concerns, his process remains inclusive, welcoming participation from all eligible vendors. His approach prioritizes capability and alignment with mission needs over socioeconomic categorization, consistent with USAID’s focus on outcomes-driven procurement in complex development environments. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services) and 541611 (Administrative Management Consulting), reflecting his specialization in governance, institutional strengthening, and program management support. He also regularly procures janitorial services under NAICS 561720 to maintain operational readiness. Zelaya’s expertise centers on securing high-quality, mission-critical services that enable USAID/Honduras to deliver localized, evidence-based development outcomes.